The escalating cost of popular weight-loss medications like Mounjaro has fueled a burgeoning black market for unapproved and experimental drugs, with consumers purchasing them from unregulated online sources. Individuals are engaging in what some describe as an "unsupervised drug experiment" to obtain drugs like retatrutide, often referred to as 'reta', which is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
One individual, a 55-year-old mother of four, recounted her experience obtaining retatrutide from a WhatsApp contact named "Jim Slim." The drug was reportedly sourced from an industrial-scale Chinese laboratory. This black market operates outside of medical regulation, with substances often sold on platforms like TikTok and Reddit labeled as 'for research use only' to circumvent legal restrictions. While purchasing these substances may not be explicitly illegal, selling them as weight-loss injections is a criminal offense.
The author of the account initially used Mounjaro, which had been effective in helping her lose 42 pounds with no side effects. However, the cost of her prescription doubled from approximately $203 per month to $406, prompting her to seek alternatives. She had also developed a reliance on intermittent Mounjaro doses to maintain her weight after reaching her target. Her usual online pharmacy began implementing stricter measures, requiring video calls and questioning her need for continued supply, which she perceived as abandonment.
Retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly, the same company that produces Mounjaro, is a triple-action peptide drug that targets three receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Clinical trials have shown significant weight reduction, with the highest studied dose leading to a mean weight loss of 28.7 percent at 68 weeks, surpassing currently approved weight-loss medications. However, it is still in clinical trials, with Eli Lilly planning to apply for regulatory review in early 2027.
Obtaining and self-administering retatrutide from unregulated sources presents significant risks. The process requires users to mix the drug powder with sterile water using syringes, a complex procedure that can lead to incorrect dosages if not performed precisely. The author described the process as requiring an "unsupervised science experiment" in her own kitchen, noting her lack of expertise in measurements.
Side effects reported from retatrutide include overwhelming fatigue, intense thirst, and dry mouth. The individual also experienced chronic stomach pain, leading to a hospital visit and a diagnosis of suspected diverticulitis. Medical professionals expressed disapproval of her self-medication, with one doctor reportedly comparing her to a "ketamine addict" and noting that healthcare providers are increasingly asking about weight-loss drug use when patients present with stomach pains.
Dr. Jack Mosley, author of "Food Noise," warns that individuals buying retatrutide from unregulated sources are obtaining an unlicensed and potentially dangerous version of the medication. These counterfeit versions may contain incorrect dosages, impurities, or even dangerous bacteria, and have been manufactured illegally in countries like China, India, and Russia. He likens the practice to "playing Russian roulette with your health."
Despite the risks and side effects, some individuals feel compelled to continue using these unregulated drugs due to the profound psychological and life-changing benefits they perceive from weight loss, such as increased happiness and self-esteem. The author acknowledges the absurdity and irresponsibility of her actions but states that for her, the ability to maintain her weight is worth the significant risk. She plans to continue using retatrutide from her current supplier until it is either approved and becomes prohibitively expensive, or until further clinical trial results reveal significant dangers.